The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.
Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.
Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.
By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.
Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.
Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$6,900Sale Price|25% Off
9'6"x14' Ivory Persian Nain with Medallion Design Wool & Silk Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Cream White, Persian Nain with Flower Medallion Design, Wool and Silk, Hand Knotted, 400 KPSI, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Sty...
Wool
$636Sale Price|20% Off
French Gothic Ormolu Cut Glass & Marble/Quartz Double Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Gothic Ormolu Cut Glass and Marble/Quartz Double Inkwell France, circa 1870s A magnificent French Gothic Ormolu Cut Glass and Marble/Quartz Double Inkwell, dating back to the...
Quartz, Marble, Ormolu
$450Sale Price / item|40% Off
1960s Iridescent Glass and Twisted Iron Candle Sconce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1960s candle sconce. Consists of a panel of iridescent glass framed by twisted iron. Seven fluted brass heads elevate to hold taper candles. Lovely patina throughout. Pair availabl...
Brass, Iron
Rare Antique German Gothic Crossbow, circa 1540, All Original
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptional early German crossbow dating to around 1540, crafted from antler, wood, and iron. This finely made piece exemplifies the late Gothic to early Renaissance period of Ger...
Iron
Strawberry Hill Gothic Pier Mirror
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A carved gilt-wood Gothic design pier mirror inspired by the style and decoration of The Long Gallery at Strawberry Hill. Please note we are currently working to a 30-36 week lead t...
Giltwood
Bobyrug’s Vintage France Aubusson Style Jaquar Tapestry, Flemish « Mille Fleur »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Introducing a stunning midcentury French Flanders tapestry from the renowned Halluin manufacturing This exquisite piece features a captivating design inspired by 16th-century museum tapestries, showcasing vibrant colors. Woven with precision by the mechanical Jacquard manufacturing technique, it elegantly combines wool and cotton. The upper section of this Flemish "Mille fleurs" masterpiece depicts villages, fortresses, and a windmill in a naive landscape, reminiscent of heraldic tapestries...
Wool, Cotton
$461Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x8'9" Brown Vintage Persian Bibikabad Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Mink Brown, Vintage Persian Bibikabad, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wo...
Wool
Great Quality Carved & Superb Condition Wooden Corpus Christi on Crucifix, 1800s
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique crucifix with stunning hand carved details and an amazing patina. This remarkable and good size crucifix with a sculpture of a suffering Christ on the cross is another one...
Fruitwood, Oak
Pair of 19th Century Italian Romanesque Style Oak Chairs
Located in Troy, NY
Pair of 19th Century Italian Romanesque Style Oak Chairs of impressive, and massive size, after a 12th century model from the cathedral in Agnano, Italy.
Oak
$754Sale Price|25% Off
3'3"x5' Yale Blue Bijar Garus Design Aryana Grade Soft Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Yale Blue, Bijar Garus Design, Aryana Grade, Vegetable Dyes, Soft Pile, High Mountain Wool, Hand Knotted, Densely Woven, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: ...
Wool
16th century stone architectural fragment
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A 16th century Spanish slate stone architectural fragment. Probably part of a commerative plaque. The Latin inscription only partly present but most likely being a religious referenc...
Slate
Vintage Lounge Chairs in Leather, 1960s, Set of 2
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
A pair of antique leather armchairs dating from the 1960s and originating from Spain, crafted in a medieval-inspired style. The chairs feature heavily carved wooden frames and sturdy...
Leather
Antique French Pair of Patinated Spelter Sculptures Knights On Horseback
Located in Tyler, TX
EXQUISITE Antique French Pair of Patinated Spelter Sculptures of Knights on Horseback ~~Masterfully crafted inspired by the works of Theo Doriot~~ Right facing knight is 19" tall x...
Spelter
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St John Chrysostom. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St John Chrystostom Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Paper
19th C. French Gothic Wrought Iron Lectern or Music Stand with Candles Holder
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring Gothic elegance to a study, library, or music room with this refined antique French wrought iron lectern, or lutrin, crafted circa 1880. The double-sided stand is forged entire...
Wrought Iron
$855Sale Price|25% Off
2'10"x5'10" Brown Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Khaki Brown, Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design, Hand Knotted, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool ...
Wool
Reclaimed Fragments of Religious Artworks After Matteo di Pacino
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Reclaimed Fragments of Religious Artworks After Matteo di Pacino. A pair of reclaimed fragments of religious artworks after Matteo di Pacino, originally part of a triptych. Painted ...
Wood, Paint
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
The Lovers’ Draught: Antique English Medieval Needlepoint Masterpiece of Romance
Located in Dallas, TX
78092 Rare Antique English Needlepoint Tapestry 02'04 x 03'05. Woven in the quiet hush of late-Victorian England yet echoing the soul of the Middle Ages, this extraordinary handwoven...
Wool
$1,965Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x14'3" Blue Bijar Garus Design High Mountain Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carolina Blue, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pi...
Wool
$1,410Sale Price|25% Off
2'9"x10' Baby Blue Bijar Garus Design Wool Hand Knotted Soft Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Baby Blue, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile ...
Wool
$1,837Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x13'9" Blue Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carolina Blue, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pi...
Wool
$2,207Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x16' Blue Bijar Garus Design High Mountain Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carolina Blue, Vegetable Dyes, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Densely Woven, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No...
Wool
19th Century Medieval Style Terracotta Plaque on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A fascinating mid-19th century medieval style buff terracotta plaque handcarved in relief with Saint George and the Dragon. In this artistic retelling of this legendary story of fol...
Steel
$1,206Sale Price|25% Off
3'x8' Red Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Coral Red, Aryana Collection, Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Hand Knotted, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: N...
Wool
Late 19th Century Wooden Door with Gothic Style Arch Detail
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 19th Century Wooden Door with Gothic Style Arch Detail
Wood
Very Large and Rare Christ on the Cross ( height 130. cms ) 14th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Very large Christ on the Cross ( height 1,30 m), Painted and carved in the round in poplar wood. Some old traces of polychromy. Restorations to the fingers. but not recently. South...
Poplar
19th Century Gothic Pine Diminutive Church Pew
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Charming and withs tons of character, or patina or both. Gothic church pew with paneled sides in a smaller size, about 4.5 feet so its very manageab...
Pine
A Very Large Carved Oak Green Man Sideboard A superbly Gothic piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Very Large Carved Oak Green Man Sideboard This superbly Gothic piece is decorated in a country house style, as there are many patterns to the car...
Oak
Antique Italian Wall Fountain Basin, Rosso Verona Marble, Gothic Style
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Italian wall mounted fountain basin in a late Gothic style with central sun in low relief or "bas relief" on a detailed pedestal in Rosso Verona marble with patina. Minor ...
Marble
$741Sale Price|25% Off
3'1"x12'2" Red Vintage Persian Joshogan Hand Knotted Wool Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Blush Red, Vintage Persian Joshogan with Geometric Medallions, Worn Out and Distressed, Zero Pile, Clean, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool L...
Wool
Vintage Stoneware Skull Mugs from The Horror Bar Le Cercueil in Brussels, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Imagine serving tomato soup or cherry tea in these fuckers... Le Cercueil in Brussels is Europes oldest horror bar and was established in 1974 or 76 in the Belgian capital. This set ...
Stoneware
Spanish Gothic Oak Cathedral Chest / Coffer Circa 1600
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
Spanish Gothic Cathedral Chest, Circa 1600, decorated with Gothic motifs and a central cross. Built from solid oak , showcasing a beautiful aged patina. It shows reassuring signs of ...
Oak
Pair of 19th Century French Forged Iron Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of forged iron candlesticks candle holders with a handle in the form of a sea creature and a movable clamp to keep your candle in place ...
Iron
Spanish Gueridon Drinks Occasional Low Side Table in Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant wrought iron low round coffee table or occasional table drinks table. Spain, 1940s This drink table stands up on four scrolled legs supported on iron balls . The top is heavi...
Wrought Iron, Iron
Spanish Drinks Table / Side Table / Gueridon in Wrought Iron, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant Gothic style hand-hammered iron round gueridon table standing on a tripod base. Spain, 1940s. This wrought iron black painted table has twisted details at the steam and the t...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
18th Century Antique Indian Medieval Tapestry after the Battle of Karnal in 1739
Located in Dallas, TX
74417 18th Century Antique Indian Medieval Wall Tapestry after the Battle of Karnal in 1739. This beautiful antique Indian painted tapestry is done on a canvas. It features a hunting battle scene with kings, kingsmen and royalty with multiple types of animals ranging from horses, elephants, lions, birds, peacocks and leopards. This tapestry is possibly in relation to The Battle of Karnal in 1739. The Muhammed Shah fought with Nader Shah...
Fabric
Antique Cotswold Limestone Corbel of a Medieval English King
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique Cotswold limestone corbel of a medieval English King, salvaged from the base of an archway in a period building in Oxfordshire. This fragment of stone is an impressive ha...
Stone, Limestone
19th Century Carved Wood Religious Statue of a Saint holding skull
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early polychromed hand carved wood figure, St Francis of Assisi..Wonderful depiction,, original condition.. paint ,surface, patina..Amazing detail.. missing hand and damaged foot (s...
Wood, Paint
Pair 19th C 6’ Tall Palatial Spelter Medieval Statues Roland & Robert I w/Stands
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is an impressive pair of detailed spelter medieval military figures on wonderful tall bases which are adorned with dragon heads and paw feet. The figures are titled Roland and R...
Spelter
Beautiful Gothic Brass Candelabra/Candlestick, circa 1500
Located in Vienna, AT
The item on sale is an original Gothic candelabra that dates back to the 1500s. It was expertly handcrafted from brass and consists of two parts that...
Brass
$396Sale Price|25% Off
3'1"x6'6" Brown Worn Out Vintage Persian Baluch Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Chocolate Brown, Vintage Persian Baluch with All Over Design, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Wide Runner, Orient...
Wool
Reclaimed Fragments of Religious Artworks After Matteo di Pacino
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Reclaimed Fragments of Religious Artworks After Matteo di Pacino. A pair of reclaimed fragments of religious artworks after Matteo di Pacino, originally part of a triptych. Painted ...
Wood, Paint
16th Century German Gothic Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
16th century German gothic fireback with a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black patina. This product weighs more tha...
Iron
$1,197Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Hand Knotted Overdyed Old Persian Tabriz Worn Down Rustic Look Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$4,633Sale Price|25% Off
8'3"x11'5" Brown Antique Persian Fish Tabriz Herat Design Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Biscotti Brown, Antique Persian with Fish Tabriz All Over Herat Design, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tradit...
Wool
$450Sale Price|25% Off
5'7"x7' Orange Vintage Soumak 100% Wool Hand Woven Flat Weave Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Spicy Orange, Vintage Soumak, 100% Wool, Hand Woven, Flat Weave, Clean, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditional Primary color: Ora...
Wool
Spanish Moorish Gothic Mortar 15th century
Located in DELFT, NL
Spanish - Moorish Gothic bronze mortar and with ribs, most likely from Andalusia. Of conical shape, resting on a circular base, the exterior decorated with a series of wing-shaped pr...
Bronze
Antique Pair of Bronze Medieval Revival, Former Church Candlestick Table Lamps
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size, great quality, antique bronze table lamps with an amazing patina. We are always on the lookout for antiques that have something ...
Bronze
Sterling Silver Vessel
Located in New York, NY
A small well-made sterling silver vessel in the Gothic design style. Piece can be just decorative or use to hold small items, etc., shown in images as a jewelry dish. Markers' mark a...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gothic Carved Limestone Font
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A beautifully carved antique limestone font circa 1840, decorated in the gothic style. Ornately carved at the hand of a talented 19th century stonemason...
Stone, Limestone
Gothic Period Oak Chest 15 Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
exceptional late 15th century/early 16th century carved oak Gothic period chest from Northern of France. Very fine example of a flamboyant Gothic style chest with a superb carved f...
Oak
$2,424Sale Price|25% Off
2'6"x10'4" Colorful Sari Silk with Wool Mamluk Design Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Colorful Sari Silk with Textured Wool Mamluk Design Hand Knotted Runner Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the centuries-o...
Silk
Spanish Hand Forged Iron and Wood Medieval Inspired Torch Wall Sconce, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Medieval style three-light torch wall sconce in iron and wood, Spain, 1940s This wall sconce features a wooden backplate holding three hand forged iron branches with naturalistic des...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$450Sale Price|25% Off
2'5"x9'5" Light Red Vintage Northwest Persian Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Desire Red, Vintage Northwest Persian, Geometric Design with Ancient Bird Figurines, Sheared Low, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Runner, O...
Wool
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Henry 11. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Henry II Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Foxing to the margin Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Paper
Gothic-Revival Gilt Bronze Sanctuary Chandlier
Located in Queens, NY
English Gothic Revival-style (19th Century) bronze dore 6 sided filigree sanctuary fixture suspended by 3 chains connected to a canopy
Bronze
$2,797Sale Price|25% Off
Colorful Mamluk Design Sari Silk with Wool Runner Hand Knotted Rug 3'1" x 16'1"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Silk
Vintage Gothic Black Wrought Iron Wall Hanging Candelabra Made in Mexico
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Gothic or Spanish Revival handmade solid wrought iron black painted candelabra wall hanging made in Mexico. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage ...
Wrought Iron
$791Sale Price|20% Off
An Architectural Model of a Gothic Pinnacle France
Located in Chonburi, TH
This architectural model is a stunning representation of a Gothic pinnacle from France, standing at an impressive height of 51 cm. Crafted with meticul...
Oak
English Gothic Style Carved Oak Expanding Bookends
Located in Queens, NY
English Gothic-style carved oak bookend / book holder with interlocking slats that expand to accommodate a selection of books, ending in two folding uprights with a carved gothic sta...
Oak